Fight HST welcomes Blair Lekstrom's resignation from BC Liberal caucus and
cabinet over imposing Harmonized Sales Tax
Fight HST encourages other BC Liberal MLAs to do the right thing to stop the HST before it is imposed on July 1
DELTA, BC, June 11 /CNW/ - Fight HST is welcoming today's resignation by Energy Minister Blair Lekstrom from both the BC Liberal caucus and cabinet over his opposition to imposing the Harmonized Sales Tax.
And Fight HST citizens Initiative leader Bill Vander Zalm says if other BC Liberal MLAs would show the same integrity and courage that Lekstrom demonstrated, the HST could be stopped before it is imposed by Premier Gordon Campbell on July 1.
"Today could mark the end of the Harmonized Sales Tax in British Columbia and the beginning of elected provincial Members of the Legislative Assembly actually listening to the majority of voters," said Vander Zalm, a former BC premier who started the anti-HST Initiative petition that has gathered over 620,000 signatures - enough to easily meet Elections BC requirements in every one of BC's 85 ridings.
"What Blair Lekstrom did today in resigning not only his cabinet post but his BC Liberal caucus membership was an act of integrity and courage showing he is listening to the constituent who elected him as an MLA," Vander Zalm said.
"If just a few more BC Liberal MLAs would do the same it would force Premier Campbell to stop the imposition of the HST because his government would lack the moral authority and political support to continue," Vander Zalm concluded.
Lekstrom said in his resignation statement that: "I fundamentally disagree with the direction our government is headed on the HST."
Fight HST Lead Organizer Chris Delaney said it's clear from Lekstrom's dramatic move that BC Liberal MLAs are starting to realize the overwhelming opposition of the public to the HST will have real consequences for those who ignore it.
"Blair Lekstrom has done the right thing - it's never too late to realize your mistake - but other BC Liberal MLAs have to realize that the public is furious and they will hold those responsible for the HST to account - probably sooner than the government expected," Delaney said.
The Fight HST campaign plans to wrap up Initiative petition gathering earlier than the July 5 deadline because of the amazing public response and file the petition at the end of June, Delaney said.
"Blair Lekstrom heard from the people in his riding and across the province - it's time for other BC Liberal MLAs to do the same and stop the HST now while they still can," said Delaney.
For further information: Chris Delaney at cell 604-880-4956 or 604-942-6265; Bill Vander Zalm, 604-946-1774; Bill Tieleman at cell 778-896-0964 or 604-844-7827
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